The company is noted for its creative atmosphere, and Google Chicago, located at 20 W. Kinzie, is apparently no different. The lobby is comfortable and interactive, with bright colors, exercise balls and real-time, filtered search results cascading on flat-panel monitors.

A "tech stop" area offers tech support triage for employees' computers, and the cafeteria offers free daily lunches (be careful of the Google 15, Danielson warns).

"We want people, we encourage people to eat in our cafeteria because it encourages team building and we want people to sit together, and just like on a college campus, share ideas and eat together," she said.

Workspaces are grouped into pods or bullpens to facilitate collaboration and the sharing of ideas.